03/05/2026
Keratoconus: what is it and how is the contact lens in this photo relevant?
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of the cornea, gradually thinning and bulging outward into a cone shape. With a misshapen cornea, a patient will experience distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frustrating prescription changes. Standard glasses and contact lenses cannot adequately correct vision for those with moderate to severe cases of keratoconus.
Here are some quick facts regarding keratoconus:
👁️emerges in teen years
👁️progresses through middle age
👁️typically in both eyes, but asymmetric
👁️affects approximately 1 in 300 people
👁️caused by combination of environmental and genetic factors
Risk factors include:
👀family history
👀eye rubbing
👀other conditions such as Down Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, asthma, hay fever, retinitis pigmentosa
Early detection is key for the best possible long-term prognosis. Thankfully, our tools for detection and management have been continuously improving during the past two decades, and more great options are on the horizon.
Treatment options:
☑️glasses
☑️specialty contact lenses
☑️collagen cross-linking
☑️multiple types of surgery
The contact lens in the first two photos is one of the specialty lens options that we use to treat keratoconus. It is called a scleral lens, and it is far more comfortable than you might imagine by looking at this photo because it rests on the white part of your eye (sclera) rather than on your cornea. Fitting scleral lenses is one of my most favorite things to do because they have such a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Swipe through for a few more useful illustrations.
If you have noticed frequent changes in your vision or difficulty seeing clearly, scheduling an eye exam is an important step toward protecting your eye health.
(Quick aside: scleral lenses are used to help people with other conditions such as dry eye, but in my office, they are most commonly used to address keratoconus.)
